Nelson Family of 7

Priesthood Session of Conference

2011-10-01T20:10:00.007-06:00

Eric and Connor were lucky enough to snag 2 tickets and a parking pass to the Priesthood Session of General Conference. They hopped in the truck this morning and drove to Salt Lake. What an awesome experience for the two of them to have together! I can't wait to hear what the talks were about!

My boy and my favorite Apostle!

Pictures of the Salt Lake temple at night, isn't it beautiful!!!

My first 5k

2011-09-24T15:34:00.007-06:00

ST. LUKE'S WOMEN'S FITNESS CELEBRATION!

Ok so I totally walked the entire way but...I paid, I entered, I arrived and I completed a 5k :)

Thanks to my sister Tessa for organizing us!! Our team was my mom, me, Tessa and her 2 daughters Kate and Kennedy. Kennedy was in the stroller only half the time and the rest of the time she was running!

We had a great time. Definitely something to do next year. I told Tessa that I would enter the blue wave with her next year (run/ walk). She kindly declined and said she really enjoyed taking her girls with her and they couldn't run so she wanted to stay in the orange wave (walkers only) for a few more years. YES!!!! I totalllly got out of having to train and run next year...hahaha...

First day of school!

2011-08-31T16:52:00.012-06:00

First Day of School!!!

I am not sure why my kids can't/ won't just pose and smile for pictures. ALL of them get goofy and silly when they see a camera. So, you get one silly and one as "normal" as it gets for the goofy Nelson boys!

Cody started Pre-school

Cooper is a 2nd grader

Connor is in 8th grade- LAST year before high school--yikes!!

And I am ........sooooooooooo happy that school is back in!!!

Life Scout

2011-06-16T14:29:00.003-06:00

Last night Connor received his Life rank in Boy Scouts. That is quiet an accomplishment for a 13 year old. Next he works on his Eagle! Way to go Connor and a big thanks to his dad of course who has helped him and encouraged him along the way!

Bishop Barfuss, Eric, Connor and Ben Bird (scout master). This is an AWESOME group of men right here!!!!!

One more and my collection will be complete! :)

TROUBLE!

2011-04-04T14:01:00.002-06:00

While Eric and I throughly enjoyed conference, Cody was enjoying something as well.....

coloring all over HIM SELF and the wall behind the recliner!.....This little boy is t-r-o-u-b-l-e!

A TEMPLE!!

2011-04-02T14:56:00.003-06:00

(I cut and pasted this from desertnews.com) SALT LAKE CITY — The announcement of three new LDS Church temples in North America — in Colorado, Idaho and Canada — highlighted President Thomas S. Monson's opening address in the Saturday morning session of the church's 181st annual general conference. The three — announced for Fort Collins, Colo.; Meridian, Idaho; and Winnipeg, Canada — means that in addition to the 134 temples operating worldwide, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints now counts another 26 temples as announced or under construction. "This will certainly be a blessing for the members in those areas," President Monson said. Located 11 miles west of Boise, Meridian is Idaho's third-largest city. With a presence in the state since 1855, the LDS Church has more than 410,000 members in Idaho. The new Meridian temple will be Idaho's fifth, with Mormon temples already in Boise, Idaho Falls, Rexburg and Twin Falls. We are soooo excited about this. We were watching conference at home and Eric jokingly said "Meridian, Idaho" right before the Prophet said it. Then the Prophet said it and we looked at each other, cheered and literally high fived each other. Since we were watching from home it was ok. :) We can't wait to find out where the site will be and when the ground breaking is. We live in Meridian so it won't be far!!

Artist.....

2011-03-16T17:44:00.007-06:00

If you read the blog I do for our missionary (elderkatzakian.blogspot.com) you would have seen the recent post of me bragging about the picture Brock drew and about how he used to draw for hours when he was younger etc. Eric can also draw really well. I think the littlest Nelson is trying to join their club!

I saw this on my wall and said, "Cody! What did you do? What is that?"

He ran over to me and said in a very happy voice "I drew it. It's a rocket mommy!" He didn't seem to fully understand my question! I didn't care what it was...I wanted to know why he colored on my walls! This is not the first time he has colored on the walls, furniture etc. I probably shouldn't think these pictures are so cute...but I do! He was sooo mad that he had to clean off his rocket picture!

Is that...????

2011-03-12T13:37:00.003-07:00

Is that a weed in my yard? Why YES it is! And I am sooooooo happy to see it! That means that spring has to be around the corner, right?? I am sooo done with cold Idaho weather! They say it is going to get in the high 50's maybe even low 60's this week!! Yiiippppeeee!!! I am so ready for the spring- weeds and all!!

My favorite Sister Missionary

2011-03-02T12:39:00.007-07:00

Suzi sent these to me and I just loved them and wanted to share with anyone that might be interested. This is Sharday White serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Brazil Sao Paulo North Mission. You can follow Sharday's blog at sistershardaywhite.blogspot.com.
(The black and white picture is my favorite. That is such a "Sharday" thing!)

Keep working hard Sharday! We love and miss you!

It's a different world!

2011-02-25T12:56:00.002-07:00

A few things have happened this month to make me stop and think about how different the world is for my kids as far as technology goes. During visiting teaching this month, the topic of cell phones for teenagers came up. My sweet companion and the sister we were visiting only have small children so their kids don't "need" a phone yet. They asked if my teenager did and they nicely explained that they hadn't decided yet, but thought that maybe their kids wouldn't have them until they were old enough to drive. I kept my mouth shut BECAUSE I said the same thing before I had a teenager. He now has a phone that we both depend on greatly!!

Then...my 3 year asked to play a game on my phone, I told him yes and to hand me the phone so I could get him to the right place. He said, "That's ok, I do it". He can't form a proper sentence yet but he CAN use all the apps on my phone to find, start and play a game!

The kicker was last night during homework with my 1st grader. His assignment was to write 10 words that started with the same sound as his first name. So he started his list with cake, cat, car and a few words down was "com". My husband read the word and said, "That's not a word, do you mean "come"? The first grader looked at him like he was dumbest man alive and said "hello, com like dot com". My husband and I looked at each other started laughing...!! How did we ever survive without the modern convinces of technology and what is to come?!?!?!

Wow....I had to laugh about all this!

Undefeated!!

2011-02-13T20:07:00.005-07:00

2-0 baby!! Undefeated!!

Ok so it was a fun match which means there are no "winners" or "losers" but I am a little competitive so I am secretly keeping track!! We know nothing about wrestling but thanks to Grandma and Grandpa we are slowly learning about this sport. (Grandpa Pollmann was a major wrestling star back in the day and Grandma was his #1 cheerleader)

Cooper is VERY strong! He has learned a lot in the last few months and had fun wrestling. After both matches he was a upset because he thought he was being choked...we have to work on that..not sure what really was happening. According to his coaches, if score was being kept he would have won both matches by points.

They have an official weigh in and then they write their weight on their arm. He LOVED this!

Do I see a future Hulk Hogan in MY family?!?!?!? :)

Happy Birthday Conman!

2011-02-05T12:13:00.002-07:00

13 years ago today my life forever changed. I never knew I could love someone or something as much I loved my new little boy. He didn't come at the ideal time or under the ideal circumstances but he is and was a blessing to me that has forever changed my life for good. I love you Connor...Happy 13th Birthday...please be a good teenager! :)

PS sorry Bubba but I saw the picture and HAD to include it! :)

Only daddy...

2010-12-22T16:27:00.002-07:00

I have a really fantastic husband. He does a lot to help me around the house and with the kids. Today he took a very grumpy 3 year old with him to do errands and this is the picture that was texted to me while they were out.....

hahahaha! I love this picture. He is waaay to big for this "baby" seat and yet my husband was sooo proud he was able to move him from the car to the cart and keep him asleep!

Christmas Party in Portland, Oregon

2010-12-19T09:32:00.020-07:00

Eric and I got a chance to go to Portland for Eric's work Christmas party. His company is based in Portland, Oregon and most of the staff work out of the main office. They flew us in, put us up in a hotel and we had a great time.

We rented a economy car and when we got there they gave us a free upgrade. We thought we were sooo cool. We got a 2010 black Dodge Charger..Eric striking a pose while driving...haha
(of course I forgot to take a pic of the car)

After we toured the company offices and met everyone we drove around and did some site seeing. We found the Portland Temple. It was beautiful and big!

Then we found OHSU (Oregon Health and Science University) Hospital. It is a huge hospital on the top of a hill. You can drive up there but there is also a tram that takes people up including hospital staff. So we rode that to the top in the tram. It was really cool and only mildly scary. From the top you can see the entire city. It was a clear day and we could see Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helen. Awesome!! We went into the hospital and had some hot chocolate and enjoyed our afternoon with just us.

It was really really windy and really cold!!

Mt. Saint Helen

Mt. Hood

Then we did some random site seeing. We saw Santa Claus riding a bike, lots and lots of buildings and trees. We decided Portland is a mix between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. It is busy with lots of people and traffic, freeways going in all directions and in the mist of all that there are trees everywhere and the river runs through the town. It's a great mix of city and nature.

After our site seeing we went to the party. It was dinner at the Charter House in Portland and AGAIN..NO pictures..ugh! I have to get better at remembering my camera. Regardless, of no pictures we had a delicious dinner, great company and a great start to the Christmas celebrates to come.

Thanks Wytec Controls for a great weekend!!

2010 Champions

2010-12-19T09:16:00.008-07:00

Connor loves basketball and seems to have a natural ability when it comes to playing. He tried out for an AAU team and made the Rocky Mountain JV squad. The team has awesome coaches and was undefeated throughout the season. During the playoffs they continued to dominate and won all their games by at least 20 points. In the championship game we faced the only other undefeated team in the league. B.K. (Bishop Kelly). It was a good game and it was close for the first 3 quarters than in the 4th Rocky Mountain pulled it out and won. It was exciting enough to be a starter on the championship team but then he found out he was selected to play in the Allstar game. It has been a great season and I am proud of how hard he has worked. We have a couple week break and then he starts playing with a traveling club team he made. Go Connor!!

Christmas Devotional

2010-12-06T14:09:00.003-07:00

"This joyful season brings to all of us a measure of happiness that corresponds to the degree to which we have turned our minds, feelings and actions to the Savior, who's birth we celebrate. There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles sought by Jesus the Christ." - President Thomas S. Monson

I loved this quote by President Monson during the First Presidency Christmas Devotional last night. How true it is that our own happiness is based on our actions and feelings. The entire meeting was wonderful but this was my favorite part!

We have to admit...

2010-11-28T16:16:00.007-07:00

WE ARE LOVING THE SNOW!!!

It has been snowing on and off for about a week. We are told that winters in Boise are usually just really really cold and even though it snows, the snow doesn't "stick". That only happened once. Last week they had the worst Thanksgiving weather they have had in decades..that's right..decades! It is really beautiful when it is snowing and we love to wake up and look in the backyard to see if there is new fresh snow. They are right, it does get cold!! The lowest it got (during the day) was 18 degrees. We are trying to be tough and suck it up but there is no denying 18 degrees is C-O-L-D. When we do go out and play we have a great time. We built our first snowman and snowbaby today as a family. We also love that the Gums came for Thanksgiving and played in the snow with us!!

PS I HATE the snow if I have to drive in it. I am still driving like a California Grandma..the driving part is gonna to take some getting used to for me!

Cody Mack

2010-11-19T20:00:00.008-07:00

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY

CODY MACK!!

Trains, cars, cake and cousins! What a fun 3rd birthday!!

Cooper the Wrestler

2010-11-02T21:49:00.006-06:00

As much as I want a baseball player in my family, I am thinking that a wrestler might be just as fun. Cooper started wrestling and he loves it. There are times when I have to turn my head and not watch because I am sure he is going to get hurt or hurt someone else but so far..no injuries.

Check out that stance..!!

Cooper applying a half nelson..that's my boy!!

Brothers

2010-10-21T16:23:00.005-06:00

My kids fight and argue...a lot!!! It drives me crazy and I am always telling them that they should be best friends and watch out for each other and love each other more than anyone else but they don't listen....or do they?!?

In school, Cooper is learning about positive role models and being polite. He had to draw a picture of his role model...guess who it is...his big brother CONNOR!!

I would have never guessed Cooper would pick Connor to be his role model....maybe behind all the fighting and arguing they do love each other!

Date Night!

2010-10-17T17:44:00.003-06:00

Eric and I had a must needed date night on Saturday.

We went bowling! (for the first time in forever...our scores show how lame we are!)
Then to dinner....(no pictures..we were to busy eating!)

Then 3D BLACK LIGHT mini-golf....this was sooo cool and fun!! Eric hit the hole-in-one on the 18th hole and the dinosaur talked to us!

Then a little Christmas shopping and finally we picked the kids up...oh and did I mention FREE babysitting for the evening... THANKS TESSA AND JAKE!!!!

Date Nights are the best...!!! I love you Eric!

Walmart.....

2010-09-27T19:04:00.003-06:00

So I walk into Walmart this morning and a cute little old man says hi to me and Cody and hands Cody a weekly ad. Cody took it and off we went to shop. Then I look down and see what I thought was a picture of President Monson. I took the ad from Cody's hand and sure enough....front and center at the top of the instore Walmart ad is a picture of President Monson. The ad was announcing the new book about him that is coming out. Right under that is the weekly sale on Mac-n-Cheese. I honestly, didn't know what to think at first. My initial thought was "oh my gosh I have to tell my friends in California!" Never would you see this in an ad in California and certainly not on the front, in big bold letters!! Then I thought, wow..this is really strange! As I walked around I thought about it more....and here is my reaction to this ad.....

I am lucky to live in a community where this is acceptable and where the general population is actually interested in the Prophet of God. I am happy to know that the ad the little old man is handing me and my son has a picture of the Prophet on it and not a group of girls in bikinis drinking beer. I am happy to know that I don't have to drive 30 minutes to a church book store to get uplifting church reading material. Seeing this ad really made me happy today and I am a little embarassed that my first reaction was that I thought it was odd and inappropriate.

(My friends back home are probably rolling their eyes at me....but that's ok! :) Life is good here in Idaho!)

On a very funny side note, the bottom part of that ad is full of specials on food storage! I am not joking either, I wish I had taken a picture of that before I had to use the ad as a napkin!!!!

Getting ready..

2010-09-14T07:20:00.004-06:00

This weekend we went home to California for Brock's farewell talk and to get all the rest of the stuff he needs for his mission. Eric, Brock and I spent Saturday going from store to store, checking off things from the list, buying this, buying that, trying on this, trying on that....I leave them for 2 minutes and this is what I find them doing......

HAHAHA!! I love these guys!!

The Spirit of Boise

2010-09-07T16:49:00.024-06:00

The Spirit of Boise is a 3 day celebration that celebrates...well I guess Boise, I am not really sure. But what I do know is that this year they brought back the "hot air balloons". They haven't done this for the last 3 years so the Jones Family made sure we were part of the celebration. We got up really early...went to the park, put down our blankets, had some hot chocolate and waited.

Then they start inflating the balloons. I didn't realize how close we were until they start filling up. There were 23 balloons lined up and they raced to see who could fill up and take off first. There was some kind of race to see who could circle and knock down a port-o-potty with the basket of their balloon first..but we didn't stay for that part of it.

If there is one thing we have learned...these people are C-R-A-Z-Y about Boise State! This balloon was heavily cheered for!!

It was soooo cool to see them fill up and take off. They filled the sky. It was worth getting up early. It was very cool!

Then we left and went and had breakfast..yes there were 4 adults and 7 children in a restaurant at one big table. It was crazy but the food was yummy!

Later that night, we went back to the same park to watch the final balloon event. We got there and had to wait a little longer than we did in the morning. The kids killed the time by giving horse rides, playing with my camera and eating popcorn.

And then... The count down..."3-2-1 burn". All the hot air balloons light up time and time again. It was really cool. You can see there are a ton of people there. They were going crazy when they lite up the Boise State balloon! This is an event we will attend next year for sure!!

Nothing but fun..

2010-09-02T19:05:00.016-06:00

Sand camping, quad riding, the lake, a rock that looks like Idaho, a new big boy bike for Cody, Idaho State Fair....nothing but fun in Idaho!!!!

(yes he did run into the mailbox)

Really..does it really say....

2010-08-26T20:10:00.001-06:00

YES!!! Yes- it does really say.... PEPSI! This is painted on the playground of my sons elementary school. Oh yes it is! I don't know why (yet) but I will find out. I think it was destiny!!

Ward Family

2010-08-22T20:58:00.003-06:00

Today in Sunday School this quote by Marvin J Ashton was read:

Someone has said, “A friend is a person who is willing to take me the way I am.” Accepting this as one definition of the word, may I quickly suggest that we are something less than a real friend if we leave a person the same way we find him. There seems to be a misunderstanding on the part of some men today as to what it means to be a friend. Acts of a friend should result in self-improvement, better attitudes, self-reliance, comfort, consolation, self-respect, and better welfare. Certainly the word friend is misused if it is identified with a person who contributes to our delinquency, misery, and heartaches. When we make a man feel he is wanted, his whole attitude changes. Our friendship will be recognizable if our actions and attitudes result in improvement and independence. It takes courage to be a real friend. Some of us endanger the valued classification of friend because of our unwillingness to be one under all circumstances. Fear can deprive us of friendship. Some of us identify our closest friends as those with the courage to remain and share themselves with us under all circumstances. A friend is a person who will suggest and render the best for us regardless of the immediate consequences.

As that quote was read and for the remainder of Sunday School I thought about all the amazing people I know in the Vineyard Ward. I miss Vineyard Ward very much!! There are so many people there who are my "friends". They did not "leave me the way they found me". I am a better person because of so many of my friends. I could name off names but I would be afraid I would forget too many. This quote made me change the way I think about being a friend. I want to be a better a friend.

We have arrived!

2010-08-13T14:25:00.000-06:00

I feel like I need to blog something about Idaho! We have been here for one week and so far so good. I forgot how much work moving is...unpacking is going well but we are still not done. Close, but not done. Here are some pictures of the areas of the house that I am willing to show pictures of. The boys rooms are still a mess and unorganized.

My sister Tessa lives in Boise and she decorated my house. I love it!!

She has a natural talent of putting things together and making it all match perfectly. She is on a mission to get me curtains and everything else I might need. I didn't even know I needed a kitchen valance until she told me!! :)

So here are a few major differences that have stood out:

Idaho:

-it is hot and humid here! HOT in the day and rainy stormy at night

-motorcyclists don't wear helmets (this trips my kids out!)

-gas is $2.92 a gallon

-my ward is a 1 sq mile and there are so many members we are splitting in a few weeks.

-elementary school is from 9:05am to 3:45pm (WHO in the world came up with this schedule?? not liking this!)

-fountain machines here have at least 10 choices!! It is like a little piece of heaven!

-NO Chevy's or Panera here. :(

-I can leave my garage door open and NOT worry about stuff getting stolen out of it. (I do lock my doors though :)

Besides no Chevy's, none of these are major issues and things feel right here. We miss our family and friends so much but we are excited to start a new life here. Now...when winter starts..I might be singing a different song!

It's official!

2010-07-31T22:55:00.000-06:00

We are moving to Idaho!!

The Call

2010-07-29T20:25:00.000-06:00

Brock will be serving in the Texas San Antonio Spanish Speaking mission. We are sooo excited!! He reports to the MTC on October 6th!

(sorry the video is blurry and I talked way to much!!)

Did you know...

2010-07-26T00:04:00.001-06:00

10 Best Towns for Families: 2010

Courtesy of Shelly Houston, City of Meridian

#8 Meridian, Idaho
Population: 45,295
Median Income: $66,888
Median Home Price: $177,000
Households with Children: 47%
Student/Teacher Ratio: 20:1
Great Schools Rating: 7
The population has quadrupled in the last decade, but for Debbie and Mark Bennett that just means there's more Meridian to love. "It's still a place where people value a low-key, no-fuss lifestyle," says Mark, 54, a real estate agent. "Everything is comfortable here."

courtesy of www.familycircle.com

Funny Things

2010-07-19T09:39:00.000-06:00

Cooper: What is a garage sale?
Me: When people sale their stuff to other people for money.
Cooper: We should sale all of Connor's stuff and keep the money and be rich.
Me: That isn't very nice, Cooper.
Cooper: So rich people aren't nice, we will fit right in.

Me: If you are nice today you can play video games later.
Cooper: How long do I have to be nice?
Me: All day
Cooper: But what time can I stop being nice?
Me: never
Cooper: Well that's just impossible. Do you want me to fail at everything?

Cooper said this during family prayer: "Bless that Dad, Connor and Grandpa can be safe. Wait, no, don't bless that Connor will be safe. Just bless dad and grandpa"

Submitted...

2010-07-15T23:43:00.000-06:00

Brock's mission papers are ....submitted!!!

Summer Fun

2010-07-08T20:59:00.001-06:00

Our Summer has been full of fun and is off to a great start!!

We got to spend a day with the Gibson Kids

Eric and I went to the Folsom Rodeo for the 4th of July. We forgot our camera but my favorite favorite favorite part is when the parachuter comes in while "Proud to be an American" is playing!

Brock babysat for us while we went. When we came home the report was he was the best babysitter EVER! (gee...I wonder why! see pics!)

We went to the Jellybelly Factory with Katie, Lucas, Mason, Jill, Andi, Brian, Dax, Cale and Sam! That was fun!!

The Jones came to town so we went to LEATHERBY's! The kids had more fun eating ice cream than doing anything else together!!

Now if I can remember my camera...there will be lots of more fun stuff to post later!

Called to Serve

2010-07-01T23:57:00.000-06:00

Sharday received her call to Brazil!! It was so awesome to be there when she opened her call. What a sweet reaction she (and her mom) had. I am so proud of Sharday and her decision to serve a mission. The people in Brazil will be blessed to have her. She reports to the Brazil MTC on November 17th and will be speaking Portuguese. I can't wait to hear all of her missionary moments!!

Happy Birthday!

2010-06-29T13:20:00.000-06:00

Cooper is 6!! He has been counting down his birthday for months!! This picture captures his pure happiness. His wish list of gifts included a toy boat, crayons, a shirt, $6 cash, DS game and play dough. He got everything he wanted (except the playdough- yay!!!) He had a great day and is thrilled to finally be 6 like his friend Elle and his counsin Klair.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRAZY COOPER J!

WE LOVE YOU!!

Time flies...

2010-06-23T14:27:00.000-06:00

I can not believe that my first born is a "middle schooler". This little boy and I have come a long way...I love him, I am proud of him and I can not believe how fast time has gone by....

He did it!!

2010-06-21T16:52:00.000-06:00

Cooper J did it!! He promoted from Kindergarten to first grade. I am soo soo proud of him. He has come a long way! Mrs. Langford was heaven sent! She is the best teacher we have ever had. Watch out 1st grade..you don't know whats about to hit you!!

Cowboy Cody Mack

2010-06-09T09:45:00.000-06:00

I have always thought the name Cody is "cowboyish". When we were deciding on names for baby #3, Cody was one that my husband and my other kids liked. It was not my favorite because of the cowboy idea I had stuck to it. My other 2 boys middle names are after their grandpas. So when trying to decide on a middle name for baby #3, Grandpa Pollmann's middle name "Mack" was thrown out there. Eric loved it...Cody Mack...that was the name. It was bad enough when it was Cody but Cody Mack!?!? You can't get more of a cowboy name than that!

Anyways, Cody has decided that he is going to go by "Mack". He calls himself Mack and so do we (most of the time). I have noticed that it isn't catching on with anyone else though..maybe you all think Mack is to "old man" like.....regardless....here are some pics of my little cowboy...Cody Mack. (I love this kid!!)

summertime...

2010-06-07T21:14:00.000-06:00

Who needs a pool....when you have a bucket and a hose!!

Catching up...

2010-05-31T11:56:00.001-06:00

Wow! The last few weeks have been full of fun stuff. Here is just a few things we have been doing. Most of them are from Klair's 6th birthday party.

Emme got to tag along with me and Stefani for pedicures! She loved it, if you can't tell!

YES! those are PING golf clubs...and yes..she is only 6! Happy Birthday to Klair! She loves them!!

Rocking the gloves that Aunt Tessa gave her.

Klair and her buddy Coco

The kids having a great time at the birthday party!

Are these the cutest girls ever?!?! I think so!

Jamie and I at Klair's party

Eric and I having fun at the party.

Elle and Connor testing out the slide

Dad and Danny working the grill!

Mack and Sawyer...buddies forever! They are loving their weekly playdates.

Klair did it! She graduated from Kindergarten! I also was able to go to Sydney's award ceremony and she got perfect attendance and honor roll!! WOO HOO! (I don't have pictures but she was very proud and happy!)

Last but not least, today is Memorial Day. I love love love seeing the American Flags everywhere. I don't know who in my neighbor does this but for all the Patriotic holidays they put flags on the lawns of all the houses. It is so awesome to see all the flags down the street!

God Bless the USA!!

Mother's Day Card

2010-05-10T09:58:00.001-06:00

My Mother's Day card from Cooper was a fill in the blank card. The words below in BLUE are the words filled in by Cooper.

My mom's name is Ashlie. She is 34 years old and weighs 72 pounds. Her hair is blonde and her eyes are brown. She cooks pizza the best, and she loves to eat all of our dinners. I think her favorite color is pink. She doesn't like video games very much. She likes to watch the news on T.V. My mom spends a lot of time making us do things we don't want to do. I'll bet my mom would like to have a Mother's Day card. Love, Cooper

Parenting Moment

2010-05-05T17:15:00.000-06:00

Connor has to give a talk in church (his first sacrament talk) on Mother's Day. His topic is something from the "For Strength of Youth" pamphlet with a "mothers twist". I told him to pick a topic, read it a couple time, think about it and then I would help him write his talk. He decided to use the topic of Family (easy enough to put the mother twist in). He read it and came right into my room and said "you want to hear something hecka weird mom?" I said "sure, what?" Connor: "everything in there is exactly what you tell me about me and Cooper. It says that we should be nice to our siblings because they are our best friends and it says that we should help with chores to make it easier on the whole family. Can you believe that mom, isn't that weird, it is exactly what you tell us!" My response, "Yea, Connor that isssssss weird!"

{This is not a "pat myself on the back" moment. This is a "gain a little credit" with my son moment because he just realized that my parenting comes from the Prophet and Heavenly Father. How do people raise kids without the Gospel?}

It's that time again....

2010-05-05T16:17:00.001-06:00

It is STRAWBERRY JAM time!!! YUM YUM YUMMY!!

No this is NOT all of it. Not even close. I have made 48 jars/ containers so far. I have about 50 more to go!! Eric told me that we need 52 jars just for our family (1 jar a week). This year I will be making more than usual to meet his request and to have enough to give away! If you want one, place your order now!!

Fairytale Town

2010-05-05T16:04:00.001-06:00

A few weekends ago we went to Fairytale town with Katie, Lucas, Mason and Jill. We had a blast!!

He did it!

2010-04-21T15:21:00.001-06:00

Cooper has been going to speech therapy for several months. He was unable to pronounce the "k" and "g" sounds. It is kind of ironic that he had trouble with the hard "c" sound considering his name, 2 of his brothers names and all of his cousins (except 1) have a name that start with the hard "c" sound. Kind of silly! He has worked very hard in his speech therapy and yesterday he did it!!! "He celebrated" (he meant to say he graduated!) We are proud of our Cooper!!

Busy Busy Busy..

2010-04-20T18:52:00.000-06:00

Like everyone else..we have been BUSY!! While the kids were off track, we took a trip to Idaho to visit the Jones. It was so much fun. Despite the fact that I had my camera and the video camera with me.. I have no pictures!!

Then we went to Palm Springs. Again, only a few pictures were taken.

That trip was mostly swimming (at the pool and at the water slide park). The cousins had so much fun..but we missed the Jones cousins.

We have been to park several times trying to enjoy the nice weather.

We had a fun Easter weekend with both sets of Grandparents...again...no pictures..ugh! My mom bought my kids the cutest Easter suits and I couldn't wait to take pictures. Sunday morning was a nightmare! This is when I remembered why I don't care enough to take pictures!!!

These are my "Easter" pictures. AND YES!!! I really really did try to take Easter pictures of the boys...this is what I ended up with....

YES that is a BEDROOM! It was the best I could do to corner all my "happy" kids into one room thinking I could crop out the background...what's the point...between the "no tie mommy, no tie" to the "I hate looking handsome" to the "my collar is jacked up!" Sunday morning isn't suppose to be this stressful. This is why my blogs don't have many pictures.....it is way to much effort!!! :)

oh...and for the real fun boy stuff...we also rode quads at Grandma and Grandpas!!

PROMS!!

2010-03-27T16:21:00.000-06:00

Most of my friends tell me they would NEVER want to go back to high school. I would go back to high school in a second!!! Of course, I made very stupid choices, said horrible hurtful things to friends and did things that I want to "redo" but putting that aside, I would go back to high school because it was soo fun! I loved my friends, I loved playing softball, I loved driving, I loved going out with friends, I loved having no worries. High school was soooo sooo sooo fun for me. With that said, I have been looking for my prom pics without any luck. I can't find the "official prom pictures". In my search I did find lots of snap shots of my friends, boyfriends, sisters etc and I loved going down memory lane. Thanks everyone who suggested this at Katie's dinner party!! This was fun for me!

The pictures below are the only ones of prom I could find. They are not the official dance pictures but they will work.

This is my Junior Prom.

My date was my "high school boyfriend" (we broke up right before Senior Ball so I didn't go with him. He took Amy Kartchner...hahaha sorry Amy, I had too. Inside joke for the rest of you). There are soo many things wrong with this picture but the best part is that there is a story to this dress. (it was velvet and my mom IRONED it 2 hours BEFORE prom!!!) you can't see it in the pictures but there are actually iron marks on my butt! it's a long story, if you care to hear it, ask me...I'm sorta scarred about it..this could be where the "girlie" part of me just gave up!! I realized during this process that "girlie" was way to much effort!)

SIDE NOTE: I forgot that his tux had tails. I read Stefani's post and had to add this bit in..we thought the tails on his jacket were soooo cool!!!

This is my Senior Ball. (no it isn't the same dress but just like now, I know what I like and it is simple and basic.)
Man, 16 years and 3 kids can do a lot to a girls body! I wish I had this body back but I would never trade my husband or give up the life lessons I have learned in those 16 years!

NOW POST YOUR PROM PICTURES EVERYONE!!

MY Homecoming

2010-03-26T21:24:00.000-06:00

Marianne is the only one who has posted old prom pics. I found these homecoming pictures...still looking for my prom pics but I got a laugh out of these....enjoy at my expense! :)

What is worse in this picture? His hair, my hair or the background? I remember this night like it was yesterday....so funny!!

I thought I was sooo cool at this homecoming. I was a freshman and he was a senior! He only asked me because his best friend was my sisters (Tessa) date..but whatever..did I mention I was a freshman and he was a senior!! This is was my senior year homecoming....why did I wear pants...oh yeah, maybe because my boyfriend was a cowboy!! hahaha..only in Elk Grove!!

Boys will be boys, right?!?!

2010-03-26T10:12:00.000-06:00

Cody, who has decided he is going to go by "Mack" which is his middle name, is a true boy! He gets into so much mischief I don't have time to grab the camera. This last week he has been crazy! Into everything, wants to do what his big brother do etc.

"Mack eat thips" Ironically, as I was taking these pictures he says "cheeeese" (that is nacho cheese all over him, the table, the floor and the walls)

And this one below would be cute if he wasn't sitting ON my onions!! We have 3 garden boxes. 2 which are just weeds and dirt and one that has 3 varieties of onions growing. He chooses to SIT, DIG and PLAY in the one box that has stuff growing!! go figure, right?!

I must admit though...with all this "trouble" I love my boys!!!!!

Kids say the darndest things....

2010-03-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

Cooper: "It's "whats-her-face" not "whats-her-bucket", get it right!"

Kindergarten rocks

2010-03-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

Today Cooper got 2 awards for his work in Kindergarten. He was soooo excited!! Way to go Cooper!!

text message...

2010-02-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

Here is the text message I got from Eric this morning: "The son you wanted is in the principles office again. Call me."

It's one of those days....either laugh or cry. Today I am gonna laugh...and try not to hurt someone!

Miracles

2010-02-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

Miracles happen everyday. Not just in remote country villages or at holy sites halfway across the globe, but here in our own lives!!!! - Deepak Chopra

"We need to pull it"

2010-02-01T20:39:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Connor told me that his tooth was really hurting. Today I took him to the dentist (I am embarrassed to say that I can't remember the last time he went to the dentist). The hole/ cavity in his tooth was so big that the dentist suggested they PULL the tooth instead of filling it. I was shocked. Connor only complained once the day before that it hurt but the tooth was so damaged it needed to be pulled!! So, we went for it. Connor was NOT happy to have the tooth pulled but I told the dentist to do it. Connor was a little nervous but he was a trooper. He sat there as they pulled his tooth. I sat next to him and pretended I wasn't nervous (or grossed out). Man, the things mothers do for their kids.....I am glad it is over...so is Connor!

Flood #2

2010-01-23T19:40:00.001-07:00

It was either video this or scream...ok I won't lie...I screamed before and after the video!! ARGH!!!

Kids say the darndest things....

2010-01-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

(this conversation was today at lunch with just Grandpa, Klair and Cooper)

Cooper: Klair, what do you want to be when you grow up?
Klair: A veterinarian.
Cooper: You are eating chicken! You can't eat chicken and be a veterinarian!
Grandpa: Cooper, what do you want to be?
Cooper: A football player.
Grandpa: So then I can watch you on TV?
Cooper: NO! you will be dead!!

Bath time!!

2010-01-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

How can a bathroom flood in the time it takes to move clothes from the washer to the dryer???!!! (the video doesn't show the 3 inches of water very well- trust me! the bathroom floor was flooded!)

1 missing???

2010-01-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

It has come to my attention that "Nelson Family of 7" is not an accurate title since my family picture only shows 6 people....soooo...to clear the air for anyone confused (Big D!!) Brock is not pictured. We officially have an "adult" child and we are learning what that means. We love Brock and are proud of him. He is currently going to ARC taking a full load of classes and he is working {almost} full time. He is very busy doing good things and getting ready for his mission. So..he is not pictured but only because his schedule didn't allow for a family Christmas picture! So..Nelson Family of 7 is still accurate!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-12-31T20:41:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year from The Nelson Boys!!!

I got a Flip video camera for Christmas. This video is from that camera. It is my new favorite toy!!

Day #28

2009-12-28T21:34:00.001-07:00

I have to be honest about the things I am thankful for and honestly, I am thankful for.....

It's sad but oh so very true!!!!

Day #25, 26 & 27

2009-12-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

WOW! I have missed THREE days!!

Day #25- CHRISTMAS DAY!!

The season in general,the joy in the kids eyes, the fun in giving gifts, the happiness in the air during family dinners and the real reason we celebrate are all things I am thankful for today!! I am thankful that celebrating our Saviors birth is both a fun and spiritual time.

Day #26- I am thankful that 7 years ago today my sweet husband proposed to me. I am so thankful to have a wonderful, happy marriage to a man who loves me and our kids. My life is nothing but perfect because of our marriage.

Day #27- I am thankful for my ward family. Without friends, visiting teachers and a Bishop that I know I can count on..things would be different for our family. I am thankful to know that the Gospel gives us an instant connection and we are willing to be there for each other.

Day #24

2009-12-24T21:17:00.001-07:00

CHRISTMAS EVE!!!!

This post could fall under my "traditions" post because this is a tradition but this one really stands alone. My mom directs a "program" every Christmas Eve. The kids are the stars of the show and she is the director. I love love love this tradition. The kids are always so cute and happy to perform. This year the audience also participated and read some scriptures. It was another fabulous program put on by Grandma and the kids!!

Cooper is yawning in this one!! ha ha ha

It isn't Christmas without the Christmas Eve program!

Day #23

2009-12-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

I love holiday cooking!!!! {and eating..of course!} My family has our big dinner on Christmas Eve, Eric's family has their dinner on Christmas so every year we are able to go to both family dinners...Yummy!

Day #22

2009-12-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for birthdays! How fun is it to celebrate other people's birthdays?! It was my mom's birthday. The adults went to dinner (at Claim Jumper- YUMMY!) without the kids. We ate, laughed, joked, ate some more and opened presents. It is so fun to celebrate birthdays! I am thankful for the fun of it all!

Day #21

2009-12-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for GIRLS DAY OUT!! I don't have daughters but I love my mom, my sisters and my nieces. Today Mom, Jamie, Sydney, Klair and I took a girls day.....breakfast, pedicures, a merry go round ride and shopping!! What a great day!! (I didn't have my camera, only my phone so pics are limited!)

Day #20

2009-12-20T21:42:00.001-07:00

Today (simultaneously with a dear friend) I realized that no matter how old I get...I default to bad habits. Today at church I judged a book by its cover and I judged wrong. It was a small, simple and quick incident that happened but I looked at someone and misjudged them completely because of the way this person looked. I am thankful that I was able to recognize my faults and want to never do that again (my friend who was with me has no faults..she just happened to have a moment of weakness!! he he he). I am thankful for the simple incident that happened today because it made me want to be "better"!!

Day #19

2009-12-19T19:24:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for music. I am not musically inclined at all but I love music. I am thankful that it is part of our lives. We listen to it in the car, we make it when we sing nursery rhymes to our kids and we worship with it. I love music and appreciate it especially during the holidays!!

Day #18

2009-12-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for my vacuum, my dishwasher and my washer and dryer!!! My life is so much easier because of them!!!

Day #17

2009-12-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for organized sports. Sounds silly I know but I am a true die hard believer that sports do mold a person. Connor is a superstar basketball player. He really is very talented. As he matures and stands out more and more on each team he is starting to learn more about basketball and more about himself. I am so thankful that he has found a talent that requires him to be on a team. I see him growing as a player and remember myself as a softball player and what I learned because of it.

Below are the things I learned by playing sports and the application of them in my life today

1. Learned to be a team player and care more about the team stats then my own stats as an individual- now I am able to care more about my family and their wants and needs and not be so selfish and think only of myself

2. Leadership by being team captain- helps me serve in my callings at church that puts me in positions of leadership

3. 4 hours daily practices- taught me that endurance is necessary in life to succeed.

4. Never playing in a championship game because they were always on Sundays but still winning the MVP award- taught me that Sunday is a special day and observing it does bring blessings

5- Interacting with people on a team that I would not have otherwise been friends with- church, school, visiting teaching, PTO board...I can go on and on about how this is a skill that is useful to me everyday.

6- Making big plays under pressure- being a mom can get stressful :) being able to take a deep breath and deal with the crisis or meltdown takes some experience

7- Cheering from the sidelines even though I know/thought I could do it better than the players on the field- Everyday I want to just do my kids homework or chores for them because I can do it better. But my job is to support and teach them- cheer for them from the sidelines

8-Respect those who have gone before me- My softball coach is in the top 3 of influential people in my life (actually only 2nd to my parents). I learned to listen, respect and love her. I likewise have been able to learn to respect, love and listen to other people who do have more experience than me in life.

9. Work ethic- I learned to work hard playing ball....life requires hard work..it just does...there is no way around that. Being lazy doesn't get you anywhere.

10. Hitting lead off always meant that my team was counting on my to get on base- my kids and husband count on me to do what I say I will do.

11. Hitting lead off also meant that hitter #2 (my good friend) would most likely have to sacrifice herself to advance me on the bases- there is something to say for being the person that people will sacrifice for. I always try to be mindful of the things others do for me that is a sacrifice on their behalf.

12. Being part of a team- people count on you. You owe it to them to pull your weight and do you part- whether its hard, uncomfortable or the 25th suicide of the night....you owe it to your team/family/friends! If we all work together no one has to work extra hard.

{it's hard to believe that we all had lives and things we were passionate about before our we had our families!}

I could probably keep going and going. You can see that I really am a believer that organized sports have a positive affect on kids. I am so thankful that Connor has found something that will allow him (hopefully) to learn as much as I did about myself and life.

CONNOR NELSON #3 RULES....GO BIG 3!!

Day #16

2009-12-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost"

I can totally remember the day we took these family pictures. I love my family. I am so thankful that I have sisters. I am the middle sister, the peacemaker, our parents favorite, the tom boy, the one who has no fashion sense, the one with the grandson who can do no wrong and the one sister who can't do her own hair or make up for her wedding (because of my lack of ability and style). Even though my sisters gave me all those titles I still love them!! Today is my older sister, Tessa's Birthday. I purposely saved talking about my sisters until today (Tessa's thirty something birthday).

I have more memories of me and Jamie as young kids than I do of me and Tessa. I can remember lots of games and things we played (Kim and Kiera top the list). Growing up Tessa was never really interested in playing with me and Jamie because she is a few years older and was on to bigger and better things. But that didn't stop her and I from playing jokes on Jamie. We used to tell Jamie to watch out for black vans because that is what kidnappers drove. Jamie would freak out when we would be outside playing and a black van would drive by. We would all run screaming "KIDNAPPERS, KIDNAPPERS!" She never did figure out that our neighbors a few houses down drove a black van.. I think we were teenagers before we broke the truth to her about that. Tessa and I also told Jamie that she was adopted and her real name was Jamie Donn Anderson Pollmann. She really did believe us for YEARS...sometimes my mom still uses that full name (including the Anderson) if Jamie does something a little stupid. Despite teasing Jamie I have many many fond memories of playing with her when we were little.

As teenagers we all fought like crazy....pretty much just over wearing each others clothes. But as we got a little older it got a little easier and Tessa seemed to want to interact with us a little more. The first homecoming I went too was with Tessa (she was a senior and her boyfriend was the center of the varsity football team and I was a little ole' freshman) and she hooked me up with a SENIOR as my date. Not just any senior- JASON OPP!!! He was a hottie and I was soo cool!!! Tessa has always been a good protective big sister. Even when our relationship wasn't super close, she was the one person in the whole I trusted the most to tell my biggest secret ever (that secret won't be told now!!)

Now as adults the teasing continues but our relationships are different. We aren't just sisters, we are friends. We love to shop, eat and gossip...I mean talk! I am thankful for my sisters. For all they do for me and my family, for the memories I have of them and for their examples to me.

Jamie is a hard working, loving mom who would do anything for her kids. She is a talented hair dresser and could be a model!! She is active in church and a good example to her husband of the blessings living the Gospel can bring.

Tessa moved to Idaho several years ago so she isn't around for a lot of our family stuff. We all really miss her and her family. There isn't a prayer said during a family function that her and her family aren't mentioned by name. Tessa has made a happy and successful life for her family in Idaho. She is creative and driven in her work and at home. She is beautiful and fun. She is active in church and can handle a schedule with 4 busy kids!

I am thankful for my sisters! I love you both very much!! I am happy to be the middle Pollmann girl!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TESSA!!!

Day #15

2009-12-15T22:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever stopped to think about the miracle of modern medicine?

You can take a pill or drink a small amount of medicine and magically....your nose stops running, your headache goes away, your pain is gone etc. Yes, some of these are only temporary but still...the fact that medicine really works...AMAZING...I am grateful that there is over the counter medicine (and stronger meds when needed) that I can take and give my sick kids to relieve their pains, stop their running noses and sneezes. It really is a miracle that medicine has been discovered and the advances that are being made with regards to serious illnesses. We are all blessed to have this convenience.

Day #14

2009-12-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

I feel like today's post might be a cop out but....it is true. Today I am thankful for my blog. Today was one of those days, we all have them. I had a morning full of things to do before kinder pick up and another handful of things to do after kinder pick up. I had it all planned, when and where I would bribe the kids with lunch and what movies to bring to play in the car. I was set. 15 minutes into my second errand the school called because Cooper was sick and needed to come home. That threw off my whole day. I had to cancel the rest of my to do list and try not to be frustrated. When we got home...the day continued to be under the control of my 5 and 2 year old. I was frustrated and annoyed many times today and seriously many of those times, I stopped and remembered that I would need to blog something I was thankful for today. I have many many blessing and I am grateful for many many things but today...I am thankful for my blog and this experiment I am doing with the 31 days of thanksgiving. Without this in the back of my mind, the day could have been much worse for me and especially my sweet little boys who mean no harm. It isn't their fault that I am a control freak and want to do things my way. My blog helped me control my emotions today. Hopefully this isn't a cop out but today...it's what I am thankful for!!

Day #13

2009-12-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

Traditions! I love and am so thankful for traditions. Tonight my family (including my aunt, uncle and Diane Gums) got together for dinner and the Christmas story. Each year we do this. Each year Aunt Leslie brings the best and yummiest treats! After we snack on the treats, we eat dinner.

After dinner we gather in the front room and Mom tells us a story or too. Then she tells the Christmas Story by asking questions to the little kids and letting them answer.

After we talk about that, my mom and dad give each family a new nativity set.

This years set is very cute. Also during the program Eric sang a song. It was a wonderful night full of traditions that we have grown to love! Traditions help me feel and remember the Spirit of Christmas and the love of my family. I am thankful for our family traditions.

Day #12

2009-12-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

Service is sometimes hard to give and even harder to recieve but....it wasn't hard to recieve today!!! Today the Young Women in our ward (along with their very hard working leaders and the primary leaders) provided 3 HOURS of FREE babysitting. The idea was for the ward members to use that time to shop or wrap gifts or whatever..... Eric and I were able to FINISH our Christmas shopping today. We found that one last gift we were having a hard time finding....we even got to have a {short} sit down lunch together without the kids! I am thankful for YW leaders. the YW and the Primary leaders for providing this service and giving up their Saturdays for us!! "Life is like a volleyball-you only win if you serve."

Day #11

2009-12-12T09:51:00.001-07:00

I hate ants!! Every year without fail we are "under attack" (as our kids say) by ants. This year, although I am very annoyed and a little grossed out, I am thankful for ants because that means we have food. I am thankful that my cupboards and fridge are full of food (good food, the kind of food our family wants and likes). We are blessed to have the financial ability to buy food and the freedom to shop where and buy what we want. Although I prefer that the "army of ants" don't attack- I appreciate the reminder that their attack means my family has food.

Day #10

2009-12-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

Today is pay day! We are blessed to both have jobs. Eric is an electrician and in this economy he really should not have a job. Many of his co-workers and friends have been laid off with no hopes of being rehired. I am lucky enough to work from home. I work 40+ hours a week (mostly at my convienence). We are so grateful that we both still have our jobs, we still have our health benefits and we can take care of our family financially. This is truly a blessing in this ecomony and something we do not take for granted!

Day #9

2009-12-10T15:17:00.000-07:00

(internet was down yesterday so I am a day late with this)

I am thankful for holiday parties and the friendship and feeling of love that accompanies those parties. Yesterday, Stefani and I had a little lunch gathering for the sisters we visit teach. We ate, the kids played and the adults sat around and visited. It was so nice!!!
Last night Eric and I went to our ward Adult Christmas dinner. There we sat with Stefani, the Purcell's, Rebecca and the Wuehler's. (or course I have no pictures of any of these events!!) The program was nice, the music was pretty, the food was good and the company was great. I love holiday parties and the feelings that are there. We have another party coming up that we can't wait for....we look forward to it every year!!! :)

Day #8

2009-12-08T17:04:00.000-07:00

I love my parents! I could easily do one post for my mom and one post for my dad but as a team....they are awesome!! I am thankful for them both for so many reasons. But as my "parents" they have taught me and have shown me through their examples how to work (I mean really how to work....these people have work ethic like NO ONE else I have ever met!), how to be honest, how to try hard, how to be fair even when it doesn't seem fair, how to serve in church callings, how to be a good spouse, how to be a good friend, how to be a good visiting/ home teacher and why the scriptures are important. I could literally go on and on about what my parents have taught me but above all, they have taught me to love unconditionally. There have been many (and I mean MANY times) when my parents should not have loved or liked my sisters and I. We did things we shouldn't have done that were wrong and even embarassing to my parents but NEVER...EVER...NEVER did I (or my sisters) ever feel like our parents didn't love us. They have always supported us in everything we have done or wanted to do. I love my parents and feel blessed to have such wonderful, fun, happy, loving and righteous examples in my life. A blog post doesn't express enough my love and gratitude for them!!

Day #7

2009-12-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for BABY GATES.....need I say more?!?!?!?!

His attempt to climb over was UNSUCCESSFUL! whew!!

He wanted in so bad he was willing to give up his plug!

Day #6

2009-12-06T18:53:00.001-07:00

I am thankful and very blessed to not only have 5 handsome sons (2 stepsons and 3 of my own) but to have 5 healthy sons. I see my friends who struggle with sick kids (sick as in serious health conditions) and I am in awe at their strength and courage. They all amaze me. I pray for them and their children (including the ones that have passed on from this life) and I thank Heavenly Father that my children are healthy. I always try to recognize this blessing and not take for granted my health and my children's health.

Day #5

2009-12-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for my best friend, Stefani. I could list all the thoughtful things she has done and said to me or I could use this cute list to sum it up! Every one of these is right on...#7...both soda freaks (and a Taco Bell Burrito craving every now and then!) #3...she didn't even flinch when she saw me with no make up!.... #10...we have reached the point where we can have a conversation without even talking and we totally know what the other is "saying". #4... ALWAYS!

Stefani, thanks for knowing when to call me to get a pedicure, thanks for watching my kids, thanks for being an example to me and THANKS for being my best friend!!

Day #4

2009-12-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

Today was not a good day for me. Last night, when I planned my day it was full of Christmas fun and errands. I thought I was sooo smart and hit a 9am grand reopening of Ulta. First 100 customers got to pick random gift cards from $5-$100. I had Cody with me hoping that we could get in and get out. After all there was ONE thing I wanted. IT WAS A NIGHTMARE. Cody was not a good boy. The lady in front of me picked a $50 gift card and the lady behind me got a $25 gift card. I got a $5 card. Ugh...I was so annoyed. Then it was off to make Christmas cards wit Stefani. Another "Christmas" thing I was looking forward to working on. Again, Cody was not a good boy and could not keep his hands off the Christmas Tree or out of the candy bowls. I left there in hopes of hitting one more store for a specific christmas present (I had a 40% off coupon). I get to the store and my luck they are already having a sale and I can't use my coupon and the sale price isn't as good as my coupon but I drove across town so I had to buy it...blah blah blah....by 3pm, I was a little fed up with the hustle of Christmas. Not to mention, I told the kids we would doorbell ditch treats tonight- that didn't happen.

And to finish my long drawn out story...this year Eric and I decided not to put up our Christmas tree because Cody (FULL THROTTLE 2 YEAR OLD) is out of control. Since we aren't doing a tree, I have been dragging my feet about the other Christmas decorations. But I asked Eric to get in the attic and get down a few things. The first thing he handed me was one of my favorite decorations. This 3 foot snowman:

As soon as he handed it to me I felt better. Christmas was all of the sudden wonderful again (don't ask me why) Then I remembered that we had 2 new nativity sets this year. One that I love and one that Eric loves. From there I continued to decorate and I was HAPPY about it. I didn't do as much as I usually do but you can tell it is Christmas time when you walk into my house now.

Today I am thankful that a little decoration could change my whole attitude and help me remember and feel the true Spirit of Christmas.

Day #3

2009-12-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

{remember these are not in order- but today........}

I am very thankful for a warm house, a car with a heater and a coat. I will admit it..I am a weather sissy! It has been so cold the last few days (or maybe I am chilled to the bone from our trip to Idaho). I am very grateful today to have a warm coat, a car with a heater and a nice comfortable, safe warm house. Definately something I take for granted that others do not have.

Day #2

2009-12-02T16:23:00.001-07:00

Today I am thankful for MY husband. It's one thing to have a husband it's another to have an awesome husband. He loves me, loves our kids, goes to church and is worthy, he is willing to work to support or family, he respects his parents and mine, he is funny and witty, he will stand up to me but let me be in charge all at the same time. That is who he is. It is easy for me to take him for granted but I try hard to remember that not all husbands are like him. I am grateful for him and all he does for me and our boys! He is my best friend, my dictionary (inside joke) and my eternal partner.

Day #1

2009-12-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

{My list of things I am thankful for are not necessarily giong to be in order. However, today's is definitely my #1 thing I am grateful for}

I am grateful for my testimony of Jesus Christ. My testimony did not come easy but I treasure it more than anything else. My testimony gives me the strength, courage and faith I need to make righteous choices in an unrighteous world. I understand the importance of my temple marriage (to the best man ever!) and I understand my accountability in raising my children. I am grateful to have the knowledge that Jesus Christ died for me and that through Him I can be forgiven and live again with our Father in Heaven. Without my testimony, my life would be very different. I feel blessed to have the knowledge, comfort and peace that comes in knowing our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Tis the Season.....

2009-11-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year. After a great Thanksgiving visit with all my family in Idaho and a great Sunday Church service, I have decided that I need to be more vocal about the things I am grateful for. I am blessed with a great family, wonderful friends, healthy children, a husband that still has a job and many many other things. Every day in December I am going to list (or talk about something I am grateful for). Tomorrow will be day #1. (31 things...should be no problem, right?!)

Heros...

2009-11-14T12:57:00.001-07:00

My aunt is the beautiful bald woman in the pink shirt. Aunt Jackie- we love you, you are in our prayers...Get well soon!! (sorry, don't know how to skip the commerical at the beginning)

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

2009-11-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

I was driving down Elk Grove Florin Blvd today and saw this flag! I went out of way to drive under it so that I could show my kids and talk to them about this special day, our wonderful country and how blessed we truly are. The site of this GIANT flag gave me goosebumps! THANK YOU to all those who have fought to protect the freedoms that I take for granted everyday! We are so blessed to live in the wonderful country!!

Halloween...

2009-11-06T23:50:00.000-07:00

Ok ok so I am a little slow but better late than never. Halloween was another fun event for the Nelson's this year!!!

Happy Birthday...

2009-10-27T13:10:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to my little sister!!! We celebrated Jamie's 3? birthday yesterday at our families favorite resturant- CHEVYS!! (pictures are lame because I took them with my phone).

Happy Birthday Jamie~ LOVE YOU!!

Cooper's New Song...

2009-10-24T16:47:00.001-06:00

Down by the bay, where the watermelon grows, back to my house, I dare not go, for if I do my mother would say, have you ever seen a moose kissing a house, down by the river.

I don't know why but this cracked me up! He tried really hard. He was a little off key, a lot off melody and I think he combined a few songs into one....but he tried! :)

Last "First Hair Cut"

2009-09-22T13:43:00.000-06:00

Cody Mack got his first hair cut on Saturday. He was not going to sit by himself in the chair so we had him sit on my lap. At first he was not happy but once he realized it didn't hurt, he was ok.

This is the final outcome. He is so cute! I have to admit I am a little sad that this is my last "first hair cut".

Studying

2009-09-14T16:13:00.003-06:00

Eric has been studying for an electrical test for weeks. In our crazy, small and loud house, this is a picture of how he studies.

He reads while wearing construction strength earplugs, kneeling over the bed with kids climbing all over him! (I have suggested he go to the library). His form of studying must work because HE PASSED THE TEST!!!!!

Apple Hill

2009-09-10T09:19:00.000-06:00

On Labor Day Weekend we went up to Apple Hill. It has been a long time since we have been there. Cooper rode a pony (connor and cody refused!). We walked around and the kids ran around. We bought Grandpa Pollmann a carmeled apple and I bought a 1/2 bushel of apples. Yesterday Stefani and I made applesauce and apple pies (yummy!!) We had a lot of fun. Our pictures don't show everything but--- that's ok!

The Principals Office?!?!?!

2009-09-02T09:12:00.000-06:00

{I debated about whether or not to post this (because it is embarassing) but then remembered that blogging is a form of journaling and that is for me and my family. One day this post mat be helpful to Cooper!}

Yesterday was the 3rd week of school. Cooper has had an ok start to kindergarten. He has lost his recess twice for not following directions. For those of you who are saying "twice in two weeks ~ that's not good!!" clearly don't know Cooper!! While missing recess is NOT acceptable to Eric and I, it could be worse for Cooper.

Yesterday, I pick Cooper up from school and he says "ummm, mom today I went to the Principal's office." My heart stopped... "you what?" He says "yeah, I got in trouble again.". So we went and talked to his sweet teacher and she told me what happened. Long story short, he got upset, freaked out (again if you know Cooper you have see this) and he wouldn't calm down. Mr. Martinez (the principal) just happened to walk into his classroom during the meltdown so he took Cooper back to his office. It was more of a scare tactic, in hopes that it would teach Cooper to knock it off. I had already warned Mr. Martinez about Cooper so he knows the situation.

While I was talking to Cooper about this, I said "Cooper, going to the principals office is the most trouble you can get in at school." He looked at me with his big eyes and said "no mom, the most trouble you can get in is detention. I didn't get detention so I am not the most busted"

My response (behind wanting to laugh and wanting to slap him) was "cooper, they don't give Kindergarten kids detention!" Cooper said "well, I am not the most busted because I didn't get detention!"

Ok first of all, how does he know what detention is? Connor is a perfect student who has NEVER EVER gotten in trouble! He has never even had a note home from the teacher. Cooper is on week THREE of kindergarten and he has already been to the principals office.

I told Eric I was embarassed that we have a "bad" kid. He laughed and told me to get over it. It is embarassing now and it will be embarassing the next 100 times it happens. Oh man, what are we in for????

Just because I feel like I have to justify things- Cooper has been to over a year of therapy and pediatricians who assure us that there is nothing "wrong" with him. Cooper has been punished, grounded, lives in time out, spanked, removed from activities etc. I have done everything I can think of ~ nothing helps! I don't even think a trip to the principals office is going to help!! SIGH....

Choo Choo.....!!!

2009-08-25T16:15:00.000-06:00

All of my boys have loved to play trains. It started with Connor, moved to Cooper and now my little Cody plays trains. I love to watch them play. Each of them lay down and get their face as close to the track as they can and watch as they push their train along. Watching Cody playing trains makes me realize that he is not a baby anymore. He is becoming a little boy. That makes me very sad and very happy all at the same time!

These two trains are as old as Connor. They are losing their paint, their wheels doing always turn right BUT they are so well loved and I can't bring myself to replacing them. Most of our trains look like this and most (including the orange train track) are from when Connor was 1 or 2 years old. aaaahhhh...my babies are growing up!

First Day Of School

2009-08-20T11:08:00.000-06:00

Cooper started kindergarten

It was a great day for everyone (including me!!!)

Connor started 6th grade!

And now for a few hours everyday, it is just me and Cody. Wow....who knew that a 1 1/2 year old could get into so much trouble by himself. (So here you go Amy- I am with you except, I didn't scoop mine back up and put in the container!!)

This morning after the big boys went to school, I walked in the kitchen and found this. (cinnamon and sugar all over the floor and fruit snacks everywhere...hmmmm...) Notice the fallen over chair....

Then looking for the little boy I thought might have caused this mess....I found this:

I have no idea how many Gushers he had eaten but I think it is safe to say...WAAAY to many.

sigh.........

California City Boy

2009-08-19T15:47:00.001-06:00

This is what Cooper calls- FISHING! He has a plastic cup and he is catching "fish" in the ditch in front of my parents house. Talk about a California city boy!!

Boys will be boys!

2009-07-29T22:35:00.001-06:00

Ok #1- he is not even 2 years old, #2 he is on a skateboard and #3 he is riding it in the house!!! I think we are in trouble!